T&T: Anchor watch

[bob Austin]

We do not depend on electronic technology.  We do use adequate sized anchors,
and take bearings with the engine in full reverse when setting the  hook.

However, there are going to be times, if one cruises long and far enough that
an anchor will drag. If someone says that they have never drug an anchor--then
they have not been those distances.  There are bottoms which have stones
which are like ball bearings for the anchor.  There are muds where even the
SuperMax or Fortress on the mud position will not reliably hold (unless the
anchor gets down to the sub strata), or clay with a cohesiveness which will
break out the anchor with a huge ball of clay.  These places may not be on the
Gulf Coast, East Coast, Caribbean or Bahamas, but they do exist. Even the best
of sailors can be fooled.

Thus--there are times when you have to really stand an anchor watch--and be
ready to leave and go to sea--or deploy other ground tackle etc in the middle
of the night.  For those occasions it is very nice to have already plotted the
course to safety.

Bob Austin